Helping Hurting Friends

Published: Feb. 12, 2021, midnight

b'We fancied ourselves clever, witty explorers roaming the galaxy in search of its most priceless treasures. Our current location was trying our perceptions of ourselves.\\nThis planet\\u2019s underground network of tunnels was dark, steep, and narrow. Sometimes we had to crawl on our bellies; sometimes ropes around our waists were the only threads dangling us over a plunge into the darkness. We were tired, sooty, out of quips, and feeling very claustrophobic.\\nOur alien guide fared better: she had a spine like an earth-ferret\\u2019s, and we privately joked that she was made of elastic rather than bone. Her ancestors had lived deep underground, driven here by invaders until the invaders were later themselves driven back out. Decades later, these tunnels were perilous. The elements had caused the earth to shift. The treasures hidden by the people of this planet from the invaders\\u2014hidden too well\\u2014would soon be lost forever to a cave-in. Only the brave (or the foolish) would attempt this and risk getting trapped, their only option to wait until the life support ran out.\\nWhen we finally emerged into the large cavern, it took our breath away. Spiky crystals in every color of the rainbow were embedded in the walls and floors. The glow from our lights lit them up: the crystals reflected back and forth glittering flashes of light. The beauty, and the monetary worth, of this treasure was unmeasurable.\\nBut our guide barely glanced at them. She unsheathed her claws and started digging fervently at the floor. She pulled out a small box, reverently removing the book inside: a real paper book, protected from mildew and moisture by whatever material the box was made of. Paper books had not been seen on this planet for generations.\\n\\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153These words are who we were,\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d came the words softly through her universal translator. Her vibrant green eyes shone in the darkness with fierce joy. \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Who we are, and who we will be. They could not take this.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nThen, I understood what she had been searching for all along. This was the true treasure. \\u2022 Jessica Kleeberger\\n\\u2022 Today\\u2019s science fiction story points to the reality that God\\u2019s Word, the Bible, tells us who we are and who we will be. It tells us why God created humans. Then, it tells us about how humans fell into sin, alienating us from God and each other and bringing brokenness to all of creation. But then, the best news: God\\u2019s Word tells us how we as humans can be made right with God through Jesus Christ\\u2014 becoming forever a part of His people. To learn more about this true story, check out our \\u201cKnow Jesus\\u201d page.\\n\\u2022 In Psalm 19:10, the psalmist describes God\\u2019s words as \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153sweeter than honey.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Like the guide with the book in the story, he found them \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153more desirable than gold.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d The Bible is all about Jesus, who is the source of wisdom and is our greatest treasure (Colossians 2:3). Why is it so important to know Jesus is the only way to true wisdom (John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; James 1:5)?\\nSearch for [wisdom, insight, and understanding] as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:4-6 (NLT)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMatthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:19'